JP2002026959A - Information distribution unit, information receiver, and information distribution method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information distribution unit, an information receiver, and an information distribution method that are convenient for both information users and information providers by saving expense in effort and time of the information users and the information providers. SOLUTION: The information distribution unit 10 that sequentially distributes electronic data being an object of distribution from an information distribution party to the information receivers 30 of the information users being distribution destinations, is provided with an electronic data acquisition means 13 that acquires the electronic data, a distribution request information acquisition means 11 that acquires a distribution destination identifier to specify a distribution destination, a distribution means 15 that specifies the information receivers 30 sequentially on the basis of the distribution destination identifier to distribute the electronic data to them, a distribution request information acquisition means 11 that acquires electronic data feature information (data genre, capacity), and a distribution discrimination means 14 that acquires a reception policy describing the feature of the electronic data whose reception the information users desire, compares the reception policy with the electronic data feature information and judges whether or not the electronic data are to be distributed on the basis of the result of comparison.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an information delivery apparatus, an information receiving apparatus, and an information delivery method applied in an environment in which an information user acquires various types of information as electronic data from an information provider on a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a technique for an information provider to deliver electronic information in response to a request of an information user, for example, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or HTT on the Internet
WWW using P (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol)
(World Wide Web) services are widely known and used. If the information to be delivered is text, for example, SMTP (Simple Maid
l E-mail, which is a service using the Transfer Protocol, is used. Also, for information other than text,
If the file is small, it can be delivered by email as an attachment.

[0003] Here, the mode of delivering information from an information provider to an information user is largely classified into a pull type and a push type. In the pull type, an information user sends an information delivery request to an information provider, such as downloading digital content found in a WWW service on the Internet,
This is an information delivery method of a type in which information is delivered in response to the request. The size (size) of information delivered at this time
If the information user's line or the information receiving device does not have sufficient speed performance, the information user needs to be present until the delivery of the information is completed, which is burdensome and troublesome. For example, if the digital content is large,
Downloading can take from tens of minutes to an hour, during which time you must be present.

[0004] On the other hand, the push type is an information delivery method in which an information provider voluntarily delivers information to an information user, as seen in an e-mail which is a service using SMTP on the Internet. . At this time, even if the information provider intends to deliver information to the information user, if the information user terminal is not operating, the information must be delivered directly (timely) to the information user terminal. Can not.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-279862 discloses a "method of communicating with an information terminal". This `` communication method to information terminals '' consists of (1) a communication service station that calls the information terminal via a communication medium, and (2) the connection is completed by automatically responding to the call signal and the data transmitted is recorded. -Use the information terminal to store, and provide the information terminal with the information of the information provider. This is convenient for the information user without having to be present to confirm reception while the information is being delivered. Further, it is convenient for the information provider because the information can be delivered even if the terminal of the information user is not operating. In addition, since a unique number is fixedly set and stored in advance in the information terminal so as not to be erased, the communication can be reliably performed by the communication service station checking the unique number.

[0006]

However, in the above-mentioned "method of communicating with the information terminal", if the unique numbers match, even if the information is not required by the information user, the information provider is not allowed to use the information. Transmission of the information to the information terminal by judgment (delivery)
I do. The information terminal records and stores (receives and stores) this information unconditionally. Unnecessary information may be deleted after the information user confirms / determines it after reception. However, if the received information has a large capacity, it is not preferable to temporarily occupy the storage device of the information user's terminal even temporarily. Also, even small amounts of information need to be organized if they are delivered frequently,
It becomes a big trouble for information users. In the future, with the further development of information and communication technology, it is expected that much information will be provided as electronic information, and it will be a major problem for information receivers how to select the flooding information.

On the other hand, information is effectively used by the information provider by distributing the information to a person who needs the information. For example, even if an advertisement for soliciting the purchase of a dog is delivered to a cat lover, the advertisement is highly likely to be wasted. The cost of advertising at this time is not stupid.
By the way, in order to eliminate such a mismatch, the information provider may investigate the hobbies and occupations of the person who intends to deliver the information in advance, for example, from a commercially available list, and deliver the information based on the result of the investigation. Often there. But people
Often, hobbies are turned down until a goal is achieved. In addition, as seen in the remarkable mobility of human resources in recent years, employment has already changed and occupations have changed significantly. Some job changers do not want to remember the past. Delivery of an advertisement relating to a hobby or an advertisement relating to an old occupation to such a person may not only be wasteful, but may also take a short time, or worsen the impression. Also, as seen in the term “my boom,” a person's hobbies and preferences may change in a short period of time. Therefore, it is necessary for the information provider to deliver information that accurately reflects the needs of the information user. It is very convenient for an information user if his / her needs are accurately reflected and only necessary information can be acquired by reflecting his / her intention.

[0008] Further, it is necessary to deliver information while ensuring security or to consider the hardware performance of the receiving device of the information user. Further, it is convenient if the information to be delivered can be stored and stored in an easily organized manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an information delivery device, an information delivery terminal, and an information delivery device which are convenient for both an information user and an information provider, for example, by eliminating the trouble of the information user and the information distributor. The purpose is to provide an information delivery method.

[0010]

According to the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, the information delivery apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention uses electronic information to be delivered to a plurality of information destinations from an information deliverer to an information delivery destination. An information delivery device for sequentially delivering to an information receiving device of a third party, an electronic data acquiring unit for acquiring or generating the electronic data, and a delivery destination identifier acquiring unit for acquiring or generating a delivery destination identifier for specifying the delivery destination. A delivery means for sequentially identifying, calling and connecting the information receiving apparatus based on the delivery destination identifier, and sequentially delivering the electronic data, and acquiring or generating electronic data characteristic information characterizing the electronic data. Electronic data characteristic information acquiring means for acquiring reception request information describing characteristics of electronic data which the information user desires to receive, and receiving the reception request information and the electronic data characteristic information. Compared bets, and a delivery determination unit that determines whether or not to deliver the electronic data based on the comparison result.

In this configuration, the electronic data is computer-readable information (including optical signals), and is not particularly limited to still image data, moving image data, audio data, text data, and the like. Also, there is no particular limitation on how electronic data is generated or acquired (the acquisition mode of whether to actively acquire or passively acquire [the same applies to other data]). The acquired electronic data is delivered from the information delivery device to the information receiving device via communication means such as a telephone line based on the delivery destination identifier. How the delivery destination identifier is obtained by the delivery destination identifier obtaining means,
The communication means is not limited. The delivery destination identifier is a unique symbol, code, number, name, or the like assigned to each information receiving device. Although it is a telephone number in the embodiment of the invention described below, the delivery destination identifier can specify each information receiving device,
Any means can be used as long as the delivery means can call each information receiving device based on the delivery destination identifier. This destination identifier is
In the embodiment of the present invention, it is described as one item (one of fields) such as delivery request information. The delivery means includes a modem, a terminal adapter (TA), or a network interface card (NIC) capable of delivering (transmitting) electronic data to the information receiving apparatus via communication means such as a telephone line. I do. The delivery means sequentially delivers the electronic data to the plurality of information receiving devices specified by the delivery destination identifier. Note that the information receiving apparatus at the delivery destination has a connection unit that switches from the standby state to the connected state when a call is made from the information distribution apparatus.

The electronic data feature information is, for example, a delivery data genre indicating the genre of electronic data (contents to be delivered) as in the embodiment of the invention.
On the other hand, the reception request information (reception policy in the embodiment of the invention) corresponds to the electronic data characteristic information. The electronic data feature information is the capacity of the electronic data (MB).
Or attributes of electronic data (pdf, midi, jpg, ppt)
...) or a combination of these as appropriate. The reception request information corresponds to the genre of the electronic data to be received (permissible data genre) or the upper limit of the capacity of the electronic data to be received (permissible data capacity) according to the electronic data characteristic information.
Incidentally, the reception request information may describe that the reception of all electronic data is requested (delivery is not refused). The delivery determining unit matches the reception request information with the electronic data feature information, and determines whether to deliver the electronic data under predetermined conditions such as partial match or complete match. Incidentally, the reception request information may be acquired in advance or may be acquired at the time of delivery. If it is acquired in advance, useless calling can be omitted. In addition, when the information is acquired at the time of delivery, the trouble of acquiring the reception request information can be omitted. Acquisition of the reception request information may be performed via a floppy (registered trademark) disk or the like, regardless of the manner in which the information is acquired. It is preferably performed via communication means such as the Internet.

According to this configuration, the information can be delivered irrespective of the schedule of the information user, which is very convenient for all information distributors (information providers) and information receivers. Moreover, there is no need to deliver information that the information recipient does not need, which is very convenient for the information distributor. In addition, it is very convenient for the information user because unnecessary information need not be received. It does not matter whether the information user is near the information receiving device at the time of delivery of the electronic data. This is because, even when the information user is near the information receiving apparatus, the trouble of the information user can be saved.

[0014] The information delivery device according to claim 2 is
In the above configuration, there is provided electronic data acquisition means for acquiring the electronic data from an information providing device of an information provider providing the electronic data via communication means.

According to this configuration, the electronic data is obtained through communication means such as the Internet.
The trouble of acquiring electronic data can be saved.

Further, the information delivery device according to claim 3 is
In each of the above configurations, there is provided calling means for calling the information receiving apparatus based on delivery time designation data for designating a delivery time of the electronic data.

According to this configuration, at the time designated by the delivery time designation data, the information receiving device is called and the electronic data is sequentially delivered. In the case of advertising, it is well known that the number of visitors to a store or the like varies greatly depending on how the ad is played, and when an ad is played is an important part of an advertiser's sales strategy. . Therefore,
According to this configuration, it is possible for the information provider or the like to specify the time at which the electronic data such as the advertisement is to be delivered, and it is possible to effectively guide the customer to the store on the day of the special sale. In the embodiment of the present invention, the delivery time designation data is described as one item of the delivery request information, and is transmitted from the information provider. The delivery time specification data may specify the start of delivery, specify the end of delivery, or specify the start and end of delivery. The information has freshness and timing, and by designating the end period, it is possible to eliminate waste such as delivery of electronic data whose freshness has fallen or is out of timing.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information delivery device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in each of the above configurations, a delivery postponement request transmitted from the information receiving device is obtained, and a call is originated based on the delivery postponement request. It has a calling means for making.

The delivery postponement request includes a time that the information user desires to receive (a time convenient for receiving), for example,
One hour later, xx month x day x hour x minute, and the like are described. When the information delivery device receives the delivery postponement request, the current delivery is canceled, a call is made at the time described in the delivery postponement request, and the electronic data is delivered. The timing of acquiring the delivery postponement request may be acquired after calling and before electronic data delivery (during delivery), or may be acquired in advance. That is,
Some electronic data have a large data size,
Delivery may take a long time. According to this configuration,
This is convenient when the information user wants to use the information receiving device for another purpose, when he wants to receive another information, or when he wants to receive it at a specific time. Further, the information delivery device can perform delivery efficiently. The delivery postponement request may be a request for a plurality of regular or irregular delivery (call).

Further, the information delivery device according to the fifth aspect is characterized in that:
In each of the above-described configurations, the information receiving apparatus includes a calling unit that, when the information receiving apparatus does not respond to the call, reduces the order of the calls to the information receiving apparatus.

The order can be moved down by one,
There is no particular limitation, such as the last move. According to this configuration, for example, even when the information receiving apparatus that is about to make a call does not answer a call due to a busy condition or the like, delivery can be performed without any trouble.

The information delivery device according to claim 6 is
In each of the above configurations, rights information previously transmitted and held by the information receiving apparatus is acquired from the information receiving apparatus at the time of the connection, and whether or not to distribute the electronic data based on the rights information is determined. It has a delivery determination means for making a determination.

The delivery determining means in this configuration is a so-called authentication means. According to this configuration, since the delivery can be performed reliably, erroneous delivery of the electronic data can be eliminated. In this configuration, it is preferable that data describing the right information be held in an IC card or other device having a storage area connected to the information receiving apparatus. This makes it difficult to rewrite rights information,
Delivery can be performed more reliably.

Further, the information delivery device according to claim 7 is
In each of the above configurations, the authentication data of the information user transmitted from the information receiving device at the time of the connection is obtained,
There is provided a delivery judging means for collating the authentication data with the collation data stored in advance, and judging whether or not to deliver the electronic data based on the collation result.

The collation is performed based on the I given to the information user in advance.
D, password, biometrics information such as fingerprints and handwriting are appropriately used. According to this, delivery can be performed reliably. The delivery determination means here is also a so-called authentication means. In this configuration, it is preferable that the ID, the password, and the like be stored in an IC card or another device having a storage area connected to the information receiving apparatus. This makes it difficult to rewrite the ID or the like, and the delivery can be performed more reliably.

[0026] The information delivery apparatus according to claim 8 is
In each of the above configurations, verification data that can verify the authenticity of the electronic data on the information receiving device side is added.

The verification data is not limited to specific data as long as it can verify the authenticity of the electronic data. With the verification data, the information receiving terminal verifies the authenticity of the electronic data.

Further, according to the present invention which has solved the above problems,
An information receiving apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the information receiving apparatus receives electronic data carried by an information user and delivered from an information delivery apparatus of an information distributor, and responds to a call from the information delivery apparatus. Connecting means for changing the state from the standby state to the connected state, electronic data receiving means for receiving the delivered electronic data, electronic data storage means for storing the received electronic data, and ending storage of the electronic data. A standby state return unit for returning the state to a standby state later, and a reception request information obtaining unit for obtaining or generating reception request information describing characteristics of electronic data that the information user desires to receive; and Obtaining electronic data characteristic information for characterizing, comparing the electronic data characteristic information with the reception request information, and receiving or storing the electronic data based on the comparison result. And a reception determination unit that determines whether or not.

In this configuration, normally, the information receiving apparatus is in a standby state and waits for a call from the information distribution apparatus. If there is a call, the system switches to the receiving state and receives the electronic data delivered from the information delivery device. The received electronic data is stored in electronic data storage means such as a hard disk. Thus, the electronic data can be reliably received even when the information user is away. Further, since the process returns to the standby state after the reception of the electronic data, another electronic data can be received. In addition, the information receiving apparatus performs matching between the electronic data characteristic information (delivery policy) and the reception request information (reception policy), and under a predetermined condition such as partial match or complete match.
The electronic data is received (stored). Therefore, according to this configuration, only the information required by the information user can be received, which is very convenient for the information user. The information receiving device has unique symbols, codes,
Numbers, names, and the like are given as delivery destination identifiers.
The electronic data receiving means also includes a modem, a terminal adapter, a network interface card, or the like capable of receiving electronic data via communication means such as a telephone line.

[0030] In the information receiving apparatus according to the present invention, the information receiving apparatus further comprises a reproducing unit for reproducing the electronic data or transferring the data to an external reproducing apparatus.

This configuration is, for example, a VOD (Video On D
emand) Reproduce electronic data using a system.

Further, the information receiving apparatus according to the present invention has an electronic data storage means for storing the electronic data based on storage area designating data for designating a storage area for the electronic data in each of the above configurations.

According to this configuration, since the electronic data can be stored in the storage area desired by the information user, the organization and access of the information are facilitated (the storage policy in the embodiment of the invention).

The information receiving apparatus according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention is configured such that, in each of the above configurations, a delivery postponement request for requesting postponement of the delivery of the electronic data is transmitted to the information distribution apparatus.

This configuration is convenient when the information user wants to use the information receiving device for another purpose. The delivery postponement request is the same as that described for the information delivery device. The delivery postponement request may be transmitted to the information distribution apparatus in advance or may be transmitted at the time of electronic data distribution.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in each of the above-described configurations, the capacity of the electronic data is compared with the storage capacity of the information receiving apparatus. Electronic data storage means for storing the electronic data after securing the storage capacity by deleting the existing electronic data.

When storing electronic data, the storage capacity may be insufficient. With this configuration, when the storage capacity is insufficient, the electronic data that has already been stored is deleted, the storage capacity is secured, and then stored (deletion policy in the embodiment of the invention). Note that it is preferable to delete electronic data in the order of older data until the storage capacity can be secured. This is because older electronic data is considered less necessary. Further, a configuration in which all of them are deleted may be adopted. If there is no electronic data already stored, or if the storage capacity is insufficient even after deleting the already stored electronic data, the storage is abandoned, and the electronic data cannot be stored due to insufficient storage capacity. It is preferable that a message to the effect is left to the information user. This is because the information user can take necessary measures based on this message. Further, the information delivery device may be configured to make a delivery postponement request.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in each of the above-described configurations, the authenticity of the electronic data is verified based on verification data added to the electronic data and verifying the authenticity of the electronic data. It has authenticity verification means.

According to this configuration, since the authenticity of the electronic data can be verified, inconveniences such as receiving falsified information can be eliminated. In each of the above configurations, the information receiving device may be configured to authenticate the information delivery device. This is because delivery from a completely different information delivery device can be prevented.

Further, according to the present invention which has solved the above problems,
An information delivery method according to claim 15, wherein the electronic data to be delivered is sequentially delivered from an information delivery device of an information distributor to information receiving devices of a plurality of information users as delivery destinations. A procedure in which the information delivery device acquires or generates the electronic data, a procedure in which the information delivery device acquires or generates a delivery destination identifier that specifies the delivery destination, and a process in which the information delivery device obtains the information based on the delivery destination identifier. A procedure for identifying and calling a receiving apparatus, a procedure for the information receiving apparatus to change its state from a standby state to a connected state in response to the call, and the information delivery apparatus delivering the electronic data to the information receiving apparatus. The information receiving device receives the electronic data, the information receiving device stores the electronic data, and the information receiving device terminates the storage of the electronic data. A procedure for returning the state to the standby state, and a procedure for returning to the procedure for specifying and calling and for the information delivery apparatus to sequentially deliver the electronic data to another information receiving apparatus different from the information receiving apparatus, and The information delivery device and / or the information receiving device obtains and compares electronic data characteristic information characterizing the electronic data with reception request information describing characteristics of the electronic data that the information user desires to receive. A procedure for determining whether or not to deliver the electronic data, or a procedure for determining whether to receive or store the electronic data.

In this configuration, the electronic data is sequentially delivered to a plurality of information receiving devices based on the delivery destination identifier. Each information receiving device receives and stores electronic data. In this configuration, information (electronic data) to be delivered is delivered regardless of the schedule of the information user. Also,
The decision whether to deliver the electronic data is made on the information delivery device side, and the decision whether to receive or store the electronic data is made on the information receiving device side. Therefore, the needs of the information user can be accurately grasped.

In the information delivery method according to the present invention, the information delivery method includes a step of obtaining the electronic data from an information providing device of an information provider that provides the electronic data via a communication unit. Further, the information delivery method according to claim 17 has a procedure in the above configuration, wherein the information delivery device makes a call based on a delivery postponement request transmitted from the information reception device. Further, the information delivery method according to claim 18 has a playback procedure for playing back the electronic data or transferring the data to an external playback device in each of the configurations. 20. The information delivery method according to claim 19, wherein in each of the configurations, the rights information previously transmitted and held by the information receiving apparatus is acquired from the information receiving apparatus at the time of the connection, and the rights information is acquired. And a step of determining whether or not to deliver the electronic data based on the information. In the information delivery method according to claim 20, in each of the above configurations, the information receiving device is authenticated after the call is made and before the electronic data is delivered, and the electronic data is delivered based on the authentication result. It has a procedure for determining whether or not it is. 22. The information delivery method according to claim 21, wherein in each of the components, verification data for verifying the authenticity is added to the electronic data, and the electronic data is delivered to the information receiving device. It has a procedure for verifying the authenticity of the data.

[0043]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of an information delivery apparatus, an information receiving apparatus, and an information delivery method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment First, a first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, an information delivery device delivers information (electronic data) required by an information user based on reception request information (reception policy) of the information user. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an information delivery system that implements the information delivery method of the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a logical configuration of the delivery request information according to the first embodiment;
(B) is a diagram showing a logical configuration of a reception policy.

The information delivery method according to the first embodiment is realized by an information delivery system including an information delivery device 10, an information providing device 20, and an information receiving device 30, as shown in FIG. In FIG. 1, the information providing device 20
Although only one information receiving device 30 is described, there are actually a plurality of information receiving devices 30.

In the first embodiment, the information distributor operates the information distribution system with the information distribution device 10 at the core. On the other hand, an information provider is a person who provides his / her information to an information user using this information delivery system. In addition, information users have registered as members in the information delivery system in response to recruitment of members via the Internet, magazines, telephone directory advertisements, newspaper advertisements, and the like. As an example, the information delivery device 10 is operated by an information distributor such as a network operator or an advertising agency, and the information providing device 20 is operated by an information provider such as an advertiser, an advertising agency, or a network operator. The information receiving device 30 is owned by an information user such as an individual.

In the present embodiment, the electronic data is a direct mail order mail order catalog (flyer or advertisement) distributed by an information provider who performs online mail order (mail order sales via a network). It is composed of image data and the like. In this mail order catalog,
It describes products that the online mail order company intends to sell, services that it intends to provide, and other living information. The electronic data is created (generated) by an information provider, an advertising agency, or the like, which is an online mail-order company. The electronic data is not limited to a mail order catalog, but may be any electronic data that can be delivered via a network (communication line).
In addition, electronic data is generated in all activities such as individuals, companies, government agencies, local governments, schools, embassies, neighborhood associations, clubs, etc., and is limited to data generated in activities such as specific businesses. Not something. Further, the type of data is not limited to a specific type such as a document, music, a moving image, and a still image.

[Information Delivery Apparatus] The information delivery apparatus 10 operated by the information deliverer, which is a network operator, includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) (not shown) and a RAM (Random).
Access Memory), external storage device, input / output device, DSU
(Digital Service Unit) etc. are connected to the bus (Bass), and the ISDN (Integrated Services
Digital Network). The information distributor has many information users as members, and obtains a delivery fee from the information provider by delivering the electronic data of the information provider to the information user.

The information delivery device 10 includes (1) delivery request information acquisition means 11 for acquiring delivery request information 200 (see FIG. 2A) from an information provider, and (2) a reception policy 300 from an information user. (3) electronic data acquiring means 13 for acquiring electronic data from an information provider based on delivery request information 200;
(4) Delivery determination means 1 for determining whether to deliver electronic data from delivery request information 200 and reception policy 300
4, (5) a delivery means (calling means) 15 for delivering electronic data via a direct line based on the delivery request information 200 and the determination result of the delivery determination means 14; Here, the delivery destination identifier and the electronic data feature information in the claims are included in the delivery request information 200. Similarly, the reception request information in the claims corresponds to the reception policy 300.

The information delivery device 10 is connected to the Internet, and the WWW server program 16 is running. The WWW server program 16 is an HTT
P is a basic program that provides information to servers and clients on the Internet and obtains information. The information delivery device 10 has homepage data, and can exchange various data and information via the Internet (in this embodiment, delivery of electronic data is performed through a direct line).

In the first embodiment, the delivery request information acquiring means 11 acquires the delivery request information 200 from the information providing device 20 via the WWW server program 16, and the receiving policy acquiring means 12 receives the delivery request information 200 from the information receiving device 30. Policy 3
00, and the electronic data obtaining means 13 obtains electronic data to be delivered from the information providing apparatus 20. The information / data acquisition mode is determined based on whether the information is transmitted from the information providing device 20 or the information receiving device 30 or the information distribution device 10.
May be obtained by the information providing apparatus 20 or the information receiving apparatus 30. Incidentally, it may be obtained via a floppy disk or the like. In the first embodiment, the information providing device 20 and the information receiving device 30
This is an acquisition mode transmitted from the Internet. When the new delivery request information 200 and the new reception policy 300 are obtained, the delivery request information obtaining unit 11 and the reception policy obtaining unit 12 regard each of them as valid and perform each process.

Here, the logical configuration of the delivery request information 200 and the reception policy 300 will be described. Delivery request information 200
Is generated by the information providing apparatus 20, and as shown in FIG. 2A, the electronic data name, delivery data identifier, delivery time designation data, delivery copy number designation data, delivery data genre, delivery data capacity, delivery destination identifier ( Telephone number) (these items can be increased or decreased as needed). The electronic data name is the name of the electronic data, and here is Musashino Mail Order Catalog No. 11. The delivery data identifier is information for uniquely identifying electronic data to be delivered, and here is a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). The delivery time designation data designates a time at which delivery is started, and here is midnight on August 22, 2000 AD. This requests that delivery be started at the date and time. The number-of-copies designation data designates the number of copies of electronic data to be delivered by the information distributor, and here is 1000 copies. The delivery data genre is the genre (classification) of the electronic data to be delivered, and is coded under a predetermined rule. The delivery data genres are 13, 28, 75 and 94 here, and this Musashino mail order catalog No. 11
8, 75 and 94 are included. The delivery data capacity indicates the capacity of electronic data to be delivered, and is 10 MB here. The delivery destination identifier is unique information for the information delivery device 10 to identify each information receiving device 30 as a delivery destination, and is a telephone number here. The delivery destination identifier corresponds to 1000 copies (1
000 information users).
Note that the delivery data genre and the delivery data capacity correspond to the electronic data feature information in the claims. Incidentally, this delivery request information 200 is formulated based on the list provided by the information deliverer and the business strategy of the information provider (the information deliverer stores information such as the telephone number of the information user who is a member of the information delivery system). I know).

On the other hand, the reception policy 300 is generated by the information providing apparatus 20, and describes a delivery destination identifier (telephone number), an allowable data genre, and an allowable data capacity as shown in FIG. Items can be increased or decreased as needed). The delivery destination identifier is the delivery request information 20
It corresponds to a delivery destination identifier of 0, and here is the telephone number of the information receiving apparatus 30 owned by the information user who generated the receiving policy 300. The allowable data genre corresponds to the delivery data genre of the delivery request information 200, and the genre of electronic data that the information user wants to receive (receives) is indicated by a code under the same rule as the delivery genre. Things. Here, the allowable data genres are 13, 44, 59, and 80, which means that the information user is allowed to receive soccer, movie, childcare, and local information (other information is allowed. do not do). The allowable data capacity is the delivery request information 2
This corresponds to a delivery data capacity of 00, and is described here as 15 MB. That is, the information user is 15
Electronic data having a capacity equal to or less than MB means that reception is permitted. Incidentally, the reception policy 300 is generated (created) by the information user in order to select and acquire only necessary information from the overflowing information, and a policy (policy) regarding the reception of the electronic data of the information user. ) Is described.

The description is returned to the information delivery device 10. The delivery request information 200 and the reception policy 300 obtained via the Internet are delivered to each processing means via a CGI (Common Gateway Interface). Specifically, (1) the delivery data identifier in the delivery request information 200 is passed to the electronic data acquisition means 13. (2) Delivery request information 20
The delivery data genre and the delivery data capacity out of 0 are delivered to the delivery determination means 14. (3) Delivery request information 20
The delivery destination identifier, delivery time designation data, and delivery copy number designation data out of 0 are delivered to the delivery means (calling means) 15. (4) The receiving policy 300 is the delivery determining means 1
Delivered to 4.

The electronic data acquisition means 13 executes the WWW server program 1 based on the delivered delivery data identifier.
6 (and CGI), an acquisition request for the electronic data held by the information providing apparatus 20 is made, and the electronic data is acquired. Then, this is delivered to the delivery means 15.

In response to the determination request from the delivery means 15, the delivery determination means 14 uses the delivery destination identifier as a key to perform matching between the delivered delivery data genre and the allowed data genre and matching between the delivered data capacity and the allowed data capacity. Then, it is determined whether to deliver the electronic data to the information receiving device 30. Then, the result determination information is delivered to the delivery means 15. In the first embodiment, when the delivery data genre partially matches the allowable data genre and the delivery data capacity is equal to or less than the allowable data capacity, the delivery determination unit 14 sends the information to the information receiving apparatus 30 having the identifier. The judgment information (1) indicating that the delivery is to be performed is delivered. Otherwise, the determination information (0) indicating that delivery is not to be performed is delivered. It should be noted that the condition for setting the judgment information to 1 or 0 is not limited to the above, and a condition other than the delivery data genre can be set. Further, AND, OR, or NOT can be freely set between a plurality of conditions. In other words, if the electronic data required by the information user can be selected before delivery (reception) according to the information user's intention, the electronic data is not limited to specific conditions or items. Absent.

The delivery means 15 includes a delivery destination identifier, delivery copy number designation data, delivery time designation data, determination information (0 or 1).
Based on the delivery destination identifier (that is, the information receiving device 3
0) is delivered. When the time described in the delivery time designation data comes, the calling means included in the delivery means 15 makes a call in the order of the list of delivery destination identifiers (in the order of the list of telephone numbers) and connects to the information receiving apparatus 30. . When the information receiving device 30 responds to the call and becomes connected, the electronic data is delivered. Note that the delivery means 15 makes a determination request to the delivery determination means 14 before calling and obtains determination information. If the obtained judgment information is the judgment information (0) indicating that delivery is not to be performed, the call is skipped without calling and the information receiving apparatus 30 of the next telephone number (delivery destination identifier) is skipped.
Call. If the information receiving device 30 does not answer the call or if the information cannot be completely delivered, the information receiving device 30
Delivery to the end (turn to the end of the list), and after a series of calling procedures are completed, the call is made again. Delivery means 15
Performs delivery until the number of copies specified in the delivery number specification data is completed. If the reception is rejected due to the relationship with the reception policy 300, the number of copies obtained by subtracting the number of rejected copies is delivered. Further, when the delivery period is set to an end, there is a case where the delivery cannot be made within the period, for example, the other party does not answer the call. In such a case, a consultation is made between the information distributor and the information provider, for example, by replacing the electronic data with one that matches the reception policy 300 of the information user and retransmitting the data. Incidentally, the next delivery request information 200 is preferably generated with reference to the current reception policy 300.

Further, when the delivery means 15 obtains a delivery postponement request from the information receiving apparatus 30 when a call is made and the connection state is established, the delivery means 15 stores the delivery postponement request together with the delivery destination identifier, and performs the current delivery. Cancel. Then, the calling means calls again at the time specified in the delivery postponement request. During this time, the information receiver can use the information receiving device 30 for other purposes.

[Information Providing Apparatus] The information providing apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 1 is operated by an information provider performing online shopping. The information providing device 20 includes an MPU, a RAM, an external storage device, an input / output device,
U and the like are connected to the bus, and perform communication by ISDN. In addition, the information provider uses the information delivery system operated mainly by the information distributor to deliver its information (electronic data) to information users who are registered as members in the information delivery system. It is.

The information providing apparatus 20 has a delivery request information generating means 21 and an electronic data storage means 22 and a WW
The W server program 23 has been activated.

The delivery request information generating means 21 is provided in FIG.
The distribution request information 200 shown in FIG. Note that the delivery request information 200 has the same logical configuration as described above, and a description thereof will be omitted. The delivery request information 200 is generated (created) by a manual input operation or the like based on a list provided by the information distributor (a list of information users registered as members in the information distribution system). . The generated delivery request information 200 is regularly and irregularly stored in the information delivery device 10 based on the business strategy of the information provider.
Will be delivered to

The electronic data storage means 22 is a database for electronic data. Various electronic data are stored in a database in the electronic data storage unit 22 and can be browsed and obtained (downloaded) from outside via the WWW server program 23 and the CGI. In addition,
The electronic data is created (generated) in such a manner that the contents of the products and services handled by the user are attracted to the information users to purchase. The electronic data is acquired (downloaded) via the Internet by the information distribution device 10 that has acquired the distribution request information 200. Note that the electronic data storage unit 22 may be provided in the information delivery device 10.

[Information Receiving Apparatus] The information receiving apparatus 30 shown in FIG. 1 is owned by an individual information user at home or the like.
The information receiving device 30 includes an MPU, a RAM, an external storage device, an input / output device,
U and the like are connected to the bus, and perform communication by ISDN. The information user is registered as a member in an information distribution system operated by the information distributor, and provides the information distributor with an address, a telephone number, an e-mail address, and the like. Incidentally, the information receiving apparatus 30 may be lent by an information distributor at the time of member registration.

The information receiving apparatus 30 has a receiving policy generating means 31, a connecting means 32, an electronic data receiving means 33, an electronic data storing means 34, and a standby state returning means 35. In addition, a WWW browser program 36 is installed. In addition, the WWW browser program 36 is HT
This is software that realizes acquisition (browsing) of information on the WWW server and transmission of information using the TP.

The reception policy generating means 31 generates the reception policy 300 shown in FIG. Note that the receiving policy 300 has the same logical configuration as described above, and a description thereof will be omitted. The reception policy 300
Based on the information user's own needs, it is generated (created) as necessary by manual input work with reference to a genre code or the like. The generated reception policy 300 is WW
The information is transmitted to the information delivery device 10 via the W browser program 36 as required by the information user. Note that the reception policy generation unit 31 also generates a storage policy and a deletion policy described later. The storage policy and the deletion policy are transferred to the electronic data storage unit 34.

The connection means 32 responds to an outgoing call from the information delivery apparatus 10 via a direct line, and
From the standby state to the connected state. The information receiving device 3
0 indicates that the information delivery apparatus 1 is in a standby state at normal times.
Waiting for a call from 0. The connection unit 32 also has a function of activating the information receiving device 30 and loading various programs necessary for receiving and storing electronic data.

The electronic data receiving means 33 receives the electronic data delivered from the information delivery device 10.

The electronic data storage means 34 stores the delivered electronic data in an external storage device of the information receiving device 30. The electronic data storage means 34 includes:
According to the setting of the information user, a pass is made so that the electronic data is stored in a storage area (directory, folder) of “D: \ data \ DM” of the external storage device. The allowable storage capacity of electronic data that can be stored in this storage area can be set by the information user. The setting of the storage area and the allowable storage capacity (storage policy) is such that when various direct mails (DM), flyers, and the like are successively delivered as electronic data, the data is randomly stored in an external storage device, and other important information is stored. It plays an important role in preventing data from being overwhelmed or disrupted.

The electronic data storage means 34, if the free space is insufficient due to the relationship between the capacity of the delivered electronic data, the above-mentioned allowable storage capacity and the capacity of the already stored electronic data, stores the already stored data. The electronic data is deleted in order from the oldest electronic data until the free space can be secured, and then the current electronic data is stored. In addition,
Various policies can be set for the deletion of the electronic data already stored (deletion policy). At the beginning of the electronic data, capacity data indicating the capacity of the data is added and delivered.

The standby state returning means 35 returns the state to the standby state after the completion of the storage of the electronic data or when the delivery of the electronic data has failed. That is, the activation of various programs and devices that have been activated in the reception state is terminated, and the apparatus is put into a standby state, to save power and wait for delivery of new electronic data.

Next, an example of the operation of the information delivery method (information delivery system) of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a sequence chart illustrating an example of the operation of the information delivery method according to the first embodiment.

[Generation / transmission of reception policy] The information user receives the reception policy 300 in which his / her own reception policy is described in advance.
(See FIG. 2B) is generated and transmitted to the information distribution apparatus 10 (S0). The information user has provided information corresponding to the reception policy 300 to the information distributor at the time of member registration. The information delivery device 10 generates and holds the reception policy 300 on the information delivery device 10 side based on this information. Therefore, the transmission of the reception policy 300 from the information user here is when the reception policy 300 is changed. Incidentally, this change is due to the reason that the hobbies and interests of information users have changed from before. The information user generates (updates) a storage policy and a deletion policy as necessary. In addition, when the information distributor (the information delivery device 10) generates (creates) the reception policy 300 based on the information corresponding to the reception policy 300 provided by the information user, the reception request information of the present invention is also used. Applicable to acquisition.

[Generation / Transmission / Acquisition of Electronic Data and Delivery Request Information] The information provider generates (creates) electronic data and stores the electronic data in the electronic data storage means 22 of the information providing apparatus 20 from outside. The information is stored so that it can be browsed (S1). Further, it generates delivery request information 200 (see FIG. 2A) relating to the electronic data, and
(S2).

The information delivery device 10 that has received the delivery request information 200 issues an electronic data acquisition request to the information providing device 20 based on the delivery data identifier described in the delivery request information 200 (S3), and sends the electronic data. Get (S
4).

[Delivery to Information Receiving Apparatus] Information delivering apparatus 1
0, when the electronic data is acquired, the delivery process is started based on the delivery time designation data described in the delivery request information 200. First, the delivery means 15 specifies the information receiving device 30 of the delivery destination using the delivery destination identifier (S5). Then, the delivery determining means 14 makes a delivery determination as to whether or not to deliver (S6). If the determination information of the delivery determination unit 14 is 1, the information receiving device 30
Is called (S7). If the determination information is 0, the process returns to step S5, and the next destination information receiving device 3
0 is specified and the delivery processing is performed. If the call is not accepted, the process returns to step S5, and the order of the information receiving devices 30 not accepting the call is moved down.

The called information receiving apparatus 30 changes from the standby state to the connected state (line connection) (S8). That is, each function of the information receiving device 30 is activated. Then, when the connection state is established, the electronic data is delivered from the information delivery device 10 (S9). When receiving the electronic data (S10), the information receiving device 30 stores the electronic data based on a predetermined storage policy (S11). When the storage is completed, the information receiving device 30
Changes from the connected state to the standby state (line disconnection) (S1
2). That is, the information receiving device 30 stops until there is a next call or until it is activated by an operation of the information user.

When the delivery of one part is completed, the information delivery device 10 specifies the information delivery device 30 of the next delivery destination (S5), and delivers the electronic data sequentially.

According to the first embodiment described above, by drawing in the intention of the information user, the electronic data such as the mail order catalog that the information provider intends to deliver can be reliably and in addition to the needs of the information user. (Will) can be delivered.

{Second Embodiment} Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the information receiving apparatus makes a determination based on a reception policy of an information user and receives information (electronic data) required by the information user. In addition,
Elements and the like that are the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an information delivery system that implements the information delivery method of the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a logical configuration of a delivery policy according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, the information delivery method according to the second embodiment is also implemented by an information delivery system including an information delivery device 10, an information providing device 20, and an information receiving device 30, as in the first embodiment. Is done.

In the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, an information distributor, which is a network operator, is used by the information delivery apparatus 10.
It is the operating entity of the information delivery system centered on.

The electronic data is also a direct mail order mail order catalog of a net mail order dealer, as in the first embodiment.

[Information Delivery Apparatus] The information delivery apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 4 is operated by an information delivery person who is a network operator, as in the first embodiment. The information delivery device 10
In addition to having the same hardware configuration as the first embodiment, the delivery request information obtaining unit 11 and the electronic data obtaining unit 1
3, a delivery unit 15, and a delivery policy generation unit 17.
In addition, the information delivery device 10 is a WWW server program 1
6 is running. Hereinafter, a configuration different from the first embodiment will be described.

The delivery means 15 is different from the first embodiment in that it calls all delivery destination identifiers described in the delivery request information 200 (see FIG. 2A) and attempts to deliver electronic data. .

The delivery policy generating means 17 includes the delivery means 15
In response to the request, a delivery policy 100 (see FIG. 5), which is electronic data feature information, is generated based on the delivery request information 200. The delivery policy 100 describes a delivery destination identifier (telephone number), a delivery data genre, and a delivery data capacity (these items can be increased or decreased as necessary). The generated delivery policy 100 is sent to the delivery unit 15
Handed over to In this embodiment, the delivery unit 15 issues a request to generate the delivery policy 100 immediately before calling. The delivery policy 100 is transmitted to the information receiving apparatus 30. The transmission timing in this embodiment is after the delivery unit 15 makes a call and before delivery of electronic data.

In the second embodiment, electronic data is delivered with verification data, which is small encrypted data, added to the beginning of the data. The addition of the verification data is performed by the electronic data acquisition unit 13.

That is, in the second embodiment, (1) transmission of the delivery policy 100 and (2) delivery of the electronic data to which the verification data is added are performed to the information receiving apparatus 30. In addition,
The procedure for obtaining the delivery request information 200 and the electronic data from the information providing apparatus 20 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[Information Providing Apparatus] The information providing apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 4 is operated by an information provider who performs online shopping, as in the first embodiment. The information providing apparatus 20 has the same hardware configuration as that of the first embodiment, and further includes a delivery request information generating unit 21 and an electronic data storage unit 22. In the information providing apparatus 20, a WWW server program 23 is running. Since these are the same as in the first embodiment, the description is omitted.

[Information Receiving Apparatus] The information receiving apparatus 30 shown in FIG. 4 is owned by an individual information user at home or the like, as in the first embodiment. This information receiving device 30 has a first
In addition to having the same hardware configuration as the embodiment, the reception policy generation unit 31, the connection unit 32, the electronic data reception unit 33, the reception determination unit 33a, and the electronic data storage unit 3
4. A standby state return means 35 is provided.

The reception policy generation means 31 generates the reception policy 300 shown in FIG. 2B and transmits it to the reception judgment means 33a. As described above, the reception policy 300 is transmitted not to the information delivery device 10 on the delivery side but to the internal reception determination means 33a in the second embodiment. This is because it is determined whether or not delivery is permitted. The reception policy 300 reflects the needs and intentions (feelings) of the information user. Note that the reception policy generation unit 31 also generates a storage policy and a deletion policy similar to those in the first embodiment, and transmits them to the electronic data storage unit 34.

The electronic data receiving means 33 includes the delivery policy 1
00 and electronic data (in this order). Note that the electronic data receiving means 33 is provided with the delivery policy 1.
00, the delivery determination unit 33a that determines whether or not to receive the electronic data is immediately sent to the delivery policy 100.
Send Then, the electronic data is received in accordance with the passed judgment information. Note that the electronic data receiving unit 33 determines whether to perform reception based on the verification data added to the electronic data. If the verification data is not added or the verification data is false, the reception is immediately stopped.

The reception judging means 33a determines whether the delivery policy 100
, The matching of the delivery destination identifier, the matching of the delivery data genre and the allowable data genre, the matching of the delivery data capacity and the allowable data capacity is performed, and it is determined whether or not to receive the electronic data. Then, the result determination information is passed to the electronic data receiving means 33. Judgment is the first
This is performed in the same manner as in the embodiment. The determination information for performing reception is 1 and the determination information for not performing reception is 0. When the judgment information is 0, the electronic data receiving means 33 does not receive the electronic data. Thereby, unnecessary information (electronic data) is not received, which is convenient for the information user. Also, communication costs can be reduced for the information distributor.

The electronic data storage means 34 stores the received electronic data according to the setting of the storage policy. If the free space is insufficient, the electronic data already stored is deleted according to the deletion policy. These points are the same as in the first embodiment.

Connection means 32 and standby state return means 35
Is the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, an example of the operation of the information delivery method of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 6 is a sequence chart illustrating an example of the operation of the information delivery method according to the second embodiment.

[Generation of Reception Policy] In advance, the information user receives the reception policy 300 (FIG. 2) describing his or her own reception policy.
(see (b)) is generated (S20). In the second embodiment, there is no need to transmit the reception policy 300 to the information delivery device. Also, a storage policy and a deletion policy are generated as needed. The generation (and updating) of these policies
This is performed as needed depending on the mood of the information user.

[Generation, Transmission, and Acquisition of Electronic Data and Delivery Request Information] The information provider generates (creates) electronic data and stores the electronic data in the electronic data storage means 22 of the information providing apparatus 20. (S21). Also,
Delivery request information 200 relating to the electronic data (FIG. 2 (a)
) Is generated and transmitted to the information delivery device 10 (S2).
2).

The information delivery device 10 receiving the delivery request information 200 generates a delivery policy 100 characterizing the electronic data based on the delivery request information 200 (S23).
Further, based on the delivery data identifier described in the delivery request information 200, an electronic data acquisition request is made to the information providing device 20 (S24), and the electronic data is acquired (S2).
5).

[Delivery to Information Receiving Apparatus] Information delivering apparatus 1
0, when the electronic data is acquired, the delivery process is started based on the delivery time designation data described in the delivery request information 200. First, the delivery unit 15 specifies the information receiving device 30 of the delivery destination using the delivery destination identifier (S26).
Then, the information receiving device 30 is called based on the delivery destination identifier (S27).

The called information receiving apparatus 30 changes from the standby state to the connected state (line connection) (S28). That is,
The information receiving device 30 starts. When the connection state is established, the delivery policy 100 is first transmitted from the information delivery device 10 (S29). Upon receiving the delivery policy 100 (S30), the information receiving device 30 determines whether to receive the electronic data. If the judgment information of the reception judgment means 33a is 1, the reception is permitted, and the distribution and reception of the electronic data are performed (S31, S32). However, if verification cannot be performed based on the verification data, reception is stopped. If the determination information is 0, the process returns to step S26, where the information receiving device 30 of the next delivery destination is specified and the delivery process is performed. If the call is not accepted, the process returns to step S26, and the order of the information receiving devices 30 not accepting the call is moved down.

Upon receiving the electronic data, the information receiving device 30 stores the electronic data based on a predetermined storage policy (S
33). When the storage is completed, the information receiving device 30 changes from the connected state to the standby state (line disconnection) (S34). That is, the information receiving device 30 stops until there is a next call or until it is activated by an operation of the information user.

When the delivery of one part is completed, the information delivery apparatus 10 specifies the information receiving apparatus 30 as the next delivery destination (S26), and sequentially delivers the electronic data.

According to the second embodiment described above, the information provider determines the electronic data, such as a mail order catalog, that the information provider intends to deliver on the information user side, and reliably and in addition to the needs of the information user. ) Can be received.

{Apparatus Authentication} In the first and second embodiments described above, the authentication by the following means / methods can be incorporated into the configuration (FIGS. 1 and 4).
reference).

(1) In the case of the first embodiment, when the information distribution device 10 and the information reception device 30 are connected for the first time, the information distribution device 10 transmits a right information file in which a small data block is added to the header of the document. , To the information receiving device 30. This right information file is unique for each information receiving apparatus 30. The transmitted rights information file is automatically stored in the information receiving device 30.
Is written and stored in the storage device. Then, every time the information delivery device 10 and the information reception device 30 are connected after the second time, the information delivery device 30 is automatically connected to the information delivery device 1.
At 0, the rights information file is transmitted. Information delivery device 1
The delivery determination means 0 obtains this right information file and checks it against the matching data to determine whether or not to perform delivery. If there is no transmission of the right information file from the information receiving device 30 or if the right information file is different as a result of the collation,
No delivery. Thereby, erroneous delivery can be reliably prevented. This authentication can be applied to the second embodiment.

(2) Unique data such as a personal ID, a password, rights information, or a fingerprint of the information user distributed by the information distributor to the information user is acquired from the information receiving device 30 at the time of connection. By collating with the collation data in the information delivery device 10, the information receiving device 30 can be authenticated. The personal ID and the like may be obtained via an external storage such as an IC card.

(3) Further, the information delivery device 10 does not authenticate the information receiving device 30 but the information receiving device 30
Authenticates the information delivery device 10 and if authentication is not obtained,
A configuration in which delivery of electronic data is not accepted may be adopted. Further, the information receiving apparatus 30 may be configured to authenticate the information user based on the ID, biometrics information, or the like.

(4) In addition, the information delivery device 10 and the information providing device 20 may be authenticated by the above-described means and method.

{Reproduction of Electronic Data} MPEG (Moving P
2. Description of the Related Art There is known a VOD system in which compressed electronic data such as an image expert group is delivered from a server and reproduced by a terminal. H. H.261 server, H.264. 3
A simplified VOD system using 20 terminals and INS Net (registered trademark) 64 is also known. The VOD system and the like can be applied to the first and second embodiments (see FIGS. 1 and 4).

That is, the information receiving device 30 is configured to have a reproducing means (decoder / display device [monitor / television receiver or the like]) for reproducing compressed data such as MPEG. Then, the information delivery device 10 transmits M as electronic data.
Compressed data such as PEG is acquired from the information providing device 20 and delivered to the information receiving device 30. This allows
The information receiving device 30 can display an image on a display device. For example, even when the information user is near the information delivery apparatus 30 in a standby state, but is performing other work, the information user can be automatically activated to display an image and convey a message (information). it can. This configuration can be suitably used for important announcements from the government, emergency communications in the event of a disaster such as a tsunami or volcanic eruption, and the like. Of course, it can also be used for entertainment purposes.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be widely modified and implemented.

For example, the information delivery device and the information providing device may be integrated. Further, the information delivery device may be configured as a content server storing various electronic data. Further, the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the authentication of the device, and the reproduction of the electronic data may be appropriately combined with each other. Further, a configuration having a charging unit and a charging method may be adopted. Billing includes issuing a bill. Further, the information delivery device and the information providing device may be installed in a foreign country. Although the delivery of the electronic data has been described using the direct line, the delivery of the electronic data may be performed via the Internet or a LAN (WAN) as long as the information receiving device can be called to establish a connection state. The terms “call and connect” and “change the state from the standby state to the connected state in response to the call” in the claims allow electronic data to be delivered in response to a request from the information delivery apparatus. (Making electronic data receivable) and is not to be construed narrowly.

[0113]

The present invention described above has the following excellent effects. According to the information delivery device according to claim 1 of the present invention, the information deliverer can accurately grasp the needs of the information user, so that the information deliverer only has the information required by the information user. Can be delivered, which is convenient for both parties and can save labor. Naturally, it is possible to cope with a short-term change in the taste of the information user. According to the information delivery apparatus of the second aspect, the information deliverer can save the trouble of acquiring the electronic data, which is convenient. According to the information delivery apparatus of the third aspect, electronic data can be delivered at an appropriate time, for example, according to a schedule of an information deliverer, which is convenient. Further, according to the information delivery device of the fourth aspect, it is convenient to be able to receive the delivery of the electronic data for the convenience of the information user. According to the information delivery device of the fifth aspect, even when the information receiving device does not answer the call, the electronic data can be delivered without any trouble, which is convenient. According to the information delivery device of the sixth and seventh aspects, it is convenient that the information receiving device is authenticated and the electronic data can be reliably delivered. According to the information delivery apparatus of the present invention, since it is possible to verify the authenticity of the delivered electronic data on the information receiving apparatus side, for example, receiving (storage) falsified electronic data This is convenient because it is possible to eliminate such inconveniences.

According to the information receiving apparatus of the ninth aspect of the present invention, an information user can receive only information (electronic data) required by the information user. Further, the information distributor can also deliver only the information required by the information user, which is convenient for both parties and can save labor. Naturally, it is possible to cope with a short-term change in the taste of the information user. Further, according to the information receiving apparatus of the tenth aspect, it is convenient that the electronic data can be accurately received by, for example, calling attention of an information user. According to the information receiving apparatus of the eleventh aspect, it is easy to arrange the electronic data to be delivered. Also, access to the received electronic data is facilitated and convenient. According to the information receiving apparatus of the twelfth aspect, it is convenient that the electronic data can be received for the convenience of the information user. According to the information receiving apparatus of the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to reliably receive the electronic data to be delivered. Claim 14
The information receiving device described in (1) can verify the authenticity of the electronic data to be delivered, so that it is possible to eliminate inconveniences such as receiving (storing) falsified electronic data, which is convenient.

According to the information delivery method of the present invention, information (electronic data) can be delivered (received) by accurately grasping the needs of information users. Therefore, it is convenient for both the information distributor and the information receiver, and can save time and effort. Naturally, it is possible to cope with a short-term change in the taste of the information user.
Also, according to the information delivery method of the present invention, it is possible to save the trouble of acquiring the electronic data to be delivered, which is convenient for the information delivery person. Claim 17
According to the information delivery method described in (1), the delivery of electronic data can be conveniently performed for the convenience of the information user.
According to the information delivery method of the eighteenth aspect, it is possible to accurately deliver and receive the electronic data by calling attention of the information user, which is convenient. According to the information delivery method described in claims 19 and 20,
It is convenient that the information delivery device and / or the information receiving device can be authenticated and the electronic data can be reliably delivered and received. According to the information delivery method of the present invention, since it is possible to verify the authenticity of the delivered electronic data on the information receiving apparatus side, for example, delivery / reception of falsified electronic data ( This is convenient because it is possible to eliminate inconveniences such as storage.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an information delivery system that realizes an information delivery method according to a first embodiment.

2A is a diagram illustrating a logical configuration of delivery request information, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a logical configuration of a reception policy in the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a sequence chart illustrating an example of an operation of the information delivery method according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an information delivery system that realizes an information delivery method according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a logical configuration of a delivery policy according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a sequence chart illustrating an example of an operation of the information delivery method according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Information delivery apparatus 11 ... Delivery request information acquisition means (delivery destination identifier acquisition means, electronic data characteristic information acquisition means) 12 ... Reception policy acquisition means 13 ... Electronic data acquisition means 14 ... Delivery judgment means 15 ... Delivery means (calling Means 16 WWW server program 20 Information providing device 21 Delivery request information generating device 22 Electronic data storage device 23 WWW server program 30 Information receiving device 31 Receive policy generating device 32 Connecting device 33 Electronic data receiving Means (Authentication Verification Means) 33a Reception Judgment Means 34 Electronic Data Storage Means 35 Standby State Return Means 36 WWW Browser Program

Claims (21)

[Claims] An information delivery apparatus for sequentially delivering electronic data to be delivered from an information distributor to information receiving apparatuses of a plurality of information users who are delivery destinations, wherein the electronic data is used to acquire or generate the electronic data. A data acquisition unit, a delivery destination identifier acquisition unit that acquires or generates a delivery destination identifier that specifies the delivery destination, and sequentially identifies, calls, and connects the information receiving device based on the delivery destination identifier, and Electronic data feature information acquiring means for acquiring or generating electronic data feature information characterizing the electronic data; and a description of the electronic data features that the information user desires to receive. Obtaining reception request information, comparing the reception request information with the electronic data feature information, and determining whether to deliver the electronic data based on the comparison result. Cormorants and delivery decision means, information delivery apparatus characterized by having a. 2. The information delivery apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising electronic data acquisition means for acquiring the electronic data from an information provider of an information provider that provides the electronic data via communication means. apparatus. 3. The information according to claim 1, further comprising calling means for calling the information receiving apparatus based on delivery time designation data for designating a delivery time of the electronic data. Delivery device. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a calling unit that acquires a delivery postponement request transmitted from the information receiving apparatus and makes a call based on the delivery postponement request. 2. The information delivery device according to claim 1. 5. The information receiving apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a calling unit that, when the information receiving apparatus does not respond to the call, reverses the order of the calls to the information receiving apparatus.
The information delivery device according to any one of the above. 6. A method for acquiring rights information previously transmitted and held by the information receiving apparatus from the information receiving apparatus at the time of the connection, and determining whether to distribute the electronic data based on the rights information. The information delivery device according to claim 1, further comprising a delivery determination unit that makes a determination. 7. Acquiring authentication information of the information user transmitted from the information receiving device at the time of the connection, collating the authentication data with collation data stored in advance, and based on the collation result. The information delivery device according to claim 1, further comprising a delivery determination unit configured to determine whether to deliver the electronic data. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a verification data transmitting unit configured to transmit verification data capable of verifying the authenticity of the electronic data on the information receiving apparatus side. Information delivery device as described. 9. An information receiving device for receiving electronic data carried by an information user and delivered from an information delivery device of an information distributor, wherein the information receiving device waits for the state in response to a call from the information delivery device. A connection unit for setting a connection state from an electronic data receiving unit; an electronic data receiving unit for receiving the delivered electronic data; an electronic data storage unit for storing the received electronic data; And a reception status information obtaining unit that obtains or generates reception request information describing characteristics of electronic data that the information user desires to receive, and electronic data characteristics that characterize the electronic data. Acquiring information, comparing the electronic data characteristic information with the reception request information, and determining whether to receive or store the electronic data based on the comparison result. Information receiving apparatus characterized by comprising: a reception determination means for performing determination, the. 10. The information receiving apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a reproducing unit for reproducing the electronic data or transferring the data to an external reproducing apparatus. 11. The information receiving apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising electronic data storage means for storing the electronic data based on storage area designating data for designating a storage area for the electronic data. apparatus. 12. The information according to claim 9, wherein the information delivery apparatus is configured to transmit a delivery postponement request for requesting postponement of the delivery of the electronic data to the information delivery apparatus. Receiver. 13. Comparing the capacity of the electronic data with the storage capacity of the information receiving apparatus, and if the storage capacity is insufficient, delete the already stored electronic data to secure the storage capacity, 2. An electronic data storage means for storing data.
3. The information receiving device according to any one of 2. 14. An apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: authenticity verification means for verifying the authenticity of said electronic data based on verification data added to said electronic data and verifying the authenticity of said electronic data. Item 14. The information receiving device according to any one of items 13. 15. An information delivery method for sequentially delivering electronic data to be delivered from an information delivery device of an information distributor to information receiving devices of a plurality of information users as delivery destinations, wherein the information delivery device includes: A procedure for acquiring or generating the electronic data, a procedure for the information delivery device to acquire or generate a delivery destination identifier for specifying the delivery destination, and the information delivery device to send the information receiving device based on the delivery destination identifier. A procedure for specifying and calling; a procedure for the information receiving apparatus to change its state from a standby state to a connected state in response to the call; and a procedure for the information delivery apparatus to deliver the electronic data to the information receiving apparatus. A procedure in which the information receiving apparatus receives the electronic data; a procedure in which the information receiving apparatus stores the electronic data; and a step in which the information receiving apparatus receives or stores the electronic data. A procedure for returning the state to the standby state later, and a procedure for returning to the procedure for specifying and calling and for the information delivery apparatus to sequentially deliver the electronic data to another information receiving apparatus different from the information receiving apparatus. The information delivery device and / or the information receiving device acquire and compare electronic data characteristic information characterizing the electronic data with reception request information describing characteristics of electronic data that the information user desires to receive. An information delivery method comprising: a step of determining whether to deliver the electronic data based on a comparison result; or a step of determining whether to receive or store the electronic data. 16. The information delivery method according to claim 15, further comprising a step of acquiring the electronic data from an information providing device of an information provider that provides the electronic data via a communication unit. 17. The information delivery method according to claim 15, wherein the information delivery device has a procedure for making a call based on a delivery postponement request transmitted from the information receiving device. 18. The information delivery method according to claim 15, further comprising a playback procedure for playing back the electronic data or transferring the data to an external playback device. 19. Acquiring rights information previously transmitted to and held by the information receiving device from the information receiving device at the time of the connection, and determining whether to distribute the electronic data based on the rights information. 19. The information delivery method according to claim 15, further comprising a procedure for making a determination. 20. A method for authenticating the information receiving apparatus after the call and before the electronic data delivery, and determining whether to deliver the electronic data based on the authentication result. The information delivery method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein 21. A method comprising: adding verification data for verifying the authenticity of the electronic data to deliver the electronic data to the information receiving device; and verifying the authenticity of the electronic data on the information receiving device side. Claim 15 or Claim 2
0. The information delivery method according to any one of 0.